Central Kutaisi is easily accessible on foot. To get to the locations around the outskirts, such as the monasteries, caves and canyons, you’ll need some kind of vehicle.
On one of my days in the city I booked a private driver through Kutaisi Trip Station. He took me on a long day tour to Sataplia Cave, Prometheus Cave, Gelati Monastery, Motsameta Monastery and finally Bagrati Cathedral. It only cost $26.50 USD, excluding the entry fee for the caves. No meal was provided either.
This was a full day, but if you have more time to spend in the region, many people also visit Imereti’s canyons, such as Martvili and Okatse. The same company also offers a Canyons Tour, but you can visit some of them on your own with a marshrutka.
While the canyons sounded interesting, I opted for two day trips elsewhere: the abandoned spa town of Tskaltubo and the scenic mining town of Chiatura.